Luanda — The Angolan academic, Sebastião Isata, is the new African Union's representative to Guinea Bissau, since late in July this year, Angop learned Thuesday in Luanda.

The information is contained in a note sent Wednesday to the embassy of Angola to Ethiopia that reached Angop. According to the note, Jean Ping appointed Sebastião Isata to Guinea Bissau, in replacement of fellow Angolan João Miranda, assigned by the Government to govern the northern province of Bengo.

Speaking to Angop on Thursday in Luanda, Sebastião Isata, a Master in International Law and University teacher, confirmed the information. "In this moment, I am the special representative of the African Union chairman, appointed by Jean Ping, to Guinea Bissau," he stated.

Sebastião Isaata attributed his nomination to the consideration Jean Ping has for Angola, due to the country's prestige and strategic position within the African context. He admitted that his nomination for the Guinea Bissau post has had the support of the Angolan authorities, particularly the head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos who upheld the appointment.

On the other hand, Sebastião Isata said he is aware of the hard task being an AU representative to a politically disturbed country like Guinea Bissau. Sebastião Isata, 52, was born in northern Uige province. He graduated from Cuba and holds a Masters degree in International Relations from the United States of America. He teaches International Law in several Angolan universities. The diplomat is a political analyst and held the post of deputy Foreign minister.